Words of the Wise

For more than 15 years, Ted Baker has helped entrepreneurs, dreamers, and business owners turn ideas into reality. As the Executive Director of the Innovation Connector, his fingerprints are on countless businesses and success stories across Indiana.But as you'll hear in this episode, Ted's story is about much more than business.From growing up in small-town Indiana, to building and selling companies of his own, to nearly 47 years of marriage, Ted shares the people, moments, and lessons that shaped the man he is today. Along the way, we talk about faith, family, leadership, generosity, entrepreneurship, and why helping others succeed has become one of his life's greatest joys.What stood out to me most was Ted's deep gratitude for the life he's been given and his unwavering belief that success is never really about ourselves, it's about how we impact the people around us.In this episode, you'll hear:• Why Ted believes "some things are taught, and some things are caught."• The childhood memory that shaped how he views marriage and family to this day.• What nearly five decades of marriage have taught him about love and commitment.• Why seeing other people succeed brings him more joy than his own accomplishments.• The difference between work-life balance and "work-life choices."• How faith has guided every season of his life.Favorite Quotes:"Just remember, for you to be successful, you have to make everyone around you successful.""Make a difference where you can and when you can.""The door is always open.""If God can get it through you, He'll get it to you."Ted's life is a beautiful reminder that leadership isn't about recognition, it's about service. And sometimes the greatest legacy we leave behind is the impact we've had on others.

In this special birthday release of Words of the Wise, Lexie sits down with Karen Delaney to reflect on a life shaped by faith, resilience, music, family, and the quiet strength of knowing who you are.Karen shares what it was like growing up on a farm in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where feeding 32,000 chickens was just part of daily life, and where her parents instilled the values of integrity, education, creativity, and consistency. She reflects on how one unexpected church decision sparked a lifelong passion for piano, how she navigated the challenges of being a pastor’s wife, and how she learned one of the most important lessons of her life: never lose your identity trying to please everyone else.From raising seven children to becoming a grandmother of 20 and a great-grandmother of 26 (with more on the way), Karen shares the wisdom she has gathered through decades of living, loving, learning, and growing.This episode is filled with practical life wisdom, heartfelt stories, and powerful reminders about boundaries, faith, and staying true to yourself.Memorable wisdom from Karen: "Others can only do to you what you allow." "Keep your identity. That's the most important thing." "Be inwardly directed, not externally motivated." "Stop and think. So many problems could be prevented if we just stopped and thought." Karen also shares powerful moments of faith, unexpected “God moments,” and how journaling and reflection helped her reclaim her voice and eventually write her book A Penny for Your Thoughts.This conversation is a beautiful reminder that wisdom often comes quietly, through experience, reflection, and the courage to grow.And in honor of this episode releasing on her birthday — happy birthday, Karen! What a gift it is to celebrate your story and the wisdom you’ve shared.

In this hope-filled conversation, Jenifer Foxworthy shares how faith, family, and community have carried her through unimaginable loss—her husband, step daughter, brother, father, and most recently her son, James (“Foxy”). Recorded at the Fore Foxy Memorial golf outing, Jen reflects on raising her family, the dinner-table values that shaped them, and the ways God met her in the very moments of grief. She also introduces her new book Finding Love in the Confessional, written in a single Spirit-led sitting, and talks about turning sorrow into service through the annual scholarship in James’s name.What We Cover The heart behind the Fore Foxy Memorial Golf Outing and James’s ongoing legacy How Jen’s first book, Are You There, Mary?, became a healing companion through layered loss The Holy-Spirit nudge that sparked her new book, Finding Love in the Confessional Mother Mary’s comfort on the day James passed — and the peace that followed Randy’s (Jen’s late husband) deathbed encounter with God and the hope it gave their family Practicing presence: family dinners, living simply, and putting the phones down Choosing blessing: moving from grief to gratitude, pain to purpose Wisdom for young people on faith, quiet, and real conversation Memorable Quotes “It’s all about James. It’s all the lives crossing paths.” “I try to turn everything into a blessing. With James’ death, my relationship with God grew stronger.” “My husband woke up and said, ‘My God loves me. My God loves you.’ That changed us.” “James loved everybody—from his friends to the man at the gas station.” “I want to say his name to the day I die. I post a photo of James every morning—it’s healing.” “Put your phones down. Have dialogue. Get quiet enough to hear where God is leading.” Resources & Links Jenifer’s Books: Are You There, Mary? (reflection and healing after loss) Finding Love in the Confessional (on the grace of confession and encountering the Trinity) Fore Foxy Memorial Golf Outing: Supports an annual scholarship in James’s name.

In this heartfelt and joy-filled episode, Lexie sits down with Steveann Devoe-Granger — the mother of one of her greatest mentors and closest friends, Aunt Danielle. This episode is a birthday surprise for Danielle, airing on the day she and Lexie share their special day.Steveann reflects on her childhood in Albany, raising her family, walking through seasons of deep loss, and learning to live with gratitude and faith through it all. A few favorite quotes from Steveann: “If you don’t have God first, you’re in trouble.” "To me, I wasn't poor, I was rich." “Look at the good that you have. Why dwell on the bad?” “Life is good. I woke up this morning, and I’m going to make it the best day ever.” "One day you'll be sad those fingerprints aren't there." “People don’t need you to tell them you’re good. They’ll see it.” Want to gift a Words of the Wise podcast for someone special in your life? Email us at [email protected] to learn more about the process! 

Happy Birthday, JJ Lynch!My cousin, JJ Lynch turns 18 the day this episode airs — and honestly, he’s one of the wisest “young adults” I know. He’s a coach’s kid and the oldest of six, which explains a lot about his servant heart. JJ’s an old soul who loves deep talks, random t-shirts, and tennis, but more than anything, he loves Jesus. His life reflects a maturity that can only come from walking closely with the Lord — humble, funny, thoughtful, and grounded beyond his years. This conversation captures all of that and more as we celebrate JJ stepping into adulthood with a heart that’s already anchored in wisdom.Memorable quotes (from JJ): “Pain accompanies growth; comfort isn’t where the learning happens." “Life is simply an opportunity to get to know God.” Highlights to listen for: The Danny effect: joy, advocacy, and real-time lessons in unconditional love Hattie’s Type 1 diagnosis and gratitude for health “Control what you can control” — the family maxim that keeps him grounded A coach’s-kid tip for new schools: introduce yourself first and break the awkward Fruits of the Spirit as a mirror for growth (Galatians 5) Humility vs. approval: the Litany of Humility and living for an Audience of One Soli Deo Gloria.

In this Words of the Wise episode, Lexie sits down with Larry Delaney, an 83-year-old lifelong Christian minister whose calling began at 15 watching a pastor pray over his stepfather in the hospital. Larry shares how early influences—radio sermons at his family’s Sunday table, jail visitation during college, migrant-camp outreach, and work at the Muncie Mission—formed a ministry defined by compassion and presence. What began with eight folding chairs in his basement grew into decades of preaching, shepherding, and mentoring.Larry’s story is stitched together by gratitude and grace. “I’m not a self-made man—there are fingerprints of all kinds of people on my life,” he says, urging listeners to “practice an attitude of gratitude.” He reflects on seasons of weakness and resilience—“Our sufficiency is in God”—and on aging with purpose: after preaching recently, someone told him, “You still got the fire in the belly,” to which he replied, “Yes, I do.”From his “apple-dumpling days” of childhood to learning he’s content being a “tender willow” rather than a “strong oak,” Larry’s wisdom is gentle, practical, and deeply hopeful. The conversation is made even more special with his grandson Carter Anderson sitting in—an image of legacy unfolding “for such a time as this.”Listeners will come away steadied by Larry’s simple north star: know Jesus, make Him known, love your family, and give thanks—every day.

In this kickoff to the Practicing Proverbs mini-series—rooted in Proverbs 3:6 and the broader Words of the Wise theme that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”—Lexie sits down with her childhood best friend, Stella Anderson, to talk about identity in Christ, getting married young, and learning to lead and be led in marriage. Stella shares about moving to Kentucky, finding church community, and the everyday practice of seeking counsel and wisdom. She opens up about miscarriage and God’s comfort (“It Is Well”), the “poppy” reminder of hope, and the redemption of welcoming her son, George, one year later to the day. The conversation turns to motherhood (childlike faith, dependence on God), discerning a move back to Muncie and a surprising sign of “abundance,” and forming family purpose, values, and beliefs—practical ways to acknowledge God in all our ways.

Former Butler player, head coach, and longtime administrator Ken LaRose reflects on the three pillars that shaped his life: faith, family, and football. He shares tender memories of growing up in Cincinnati, the impact of his parents and siblings—especially his deaf brother Michael who taught him eye contact and empathy—and the coaches who became second fathers (Gerry Faust, Bill Sylvester).Ken recounts choosing Butler, captaining the team, and returning to coach—eventually becoming head coach during the turbulent transition to non-scholarship Division I. He tells the story behind Butler’s 1996 game in Cologne, Germany, and later, his pivot into development, helping raise $65M+ for facilities and programs under AD Barry Collier.Woven throughout are Ken’s life rules: appreciate what you have, start each day with an attitude of gratitude, and life is 10% what happens, 90% how you react. The result is a portrait of a welcoming, genuine servant-leader who loves helping people—and who proudly answers to Dad, Pops, Coach, and “Butler guy.”

Episode 48 of Words of the Wise features one of the most decorated and respected leaders in American high school sports and education: Coach J.T. Curtis. At 78 years old, J.T. is not only the winningest football coach in the nation with over 600 victories and 28 state championships, but also serves as Head of Schools at John Curtis Christian School—the very school his parents founded.Throughout our conversation, JT reflects on his upbringing in a pastor’s home, the leap of faith his father took to start the school, and the lessons he carried into coaching, education, and ministry. “My dad was a man who didn’t understand walls. He’d go over them, around them, or through them. And he taught me you’ve got to be qualified—you can’t just rely on a name, you’ve got to earn it.”J.T. shares stories of the mentors who shaped him, from his high school coach Bob Whitman to Arkansas coaching legend Frank Broyles. He also opens up about building not only a football dynasty, but a school community rooted in consistency and faith: “The key to success is consistency. Innovation is important, but you change because it’s better—not just because it’s new.”Beyond football, J.T. reflects on his greatest legacy: his family. He speaks with gratitude for his late wife Lydia—“She was a servant, a wonderful mother, and I miss her every day”—and for the chance to watch his three children and ten grandchildren grow. As Head of Schools, coach and pastor, his life message is simple: “There’s no substitute for the grind, for the hard work. But most importantly, your relationship with God through Christ is all that matters.”This episode isn’t just about football history—it’s about faith, family, and a life lived pouring into others.SOLI DEO GLORIA!If you have someone wise in your life—a grandparent, coach, mentor, or friend—whose story deserves to be captured, I’d love to interview them and preserve their wisdom forever. You can email me at [email protected] or send us a message on social media. It makes a great holiday or birthday gift.

Hey friends! In this special solo episode (with some very sweet guest voices), I’m exploring what it really means to have childlike faith. We’ve all heard Jesus say to become like children, but recently, through study, conversations, and even music, I’ve started to see His words in a new way.Before I dive in, I want to give a special shoutout to my cousin Max Lynch, the talented designer behind the Words of the Wise cover art. PLEASE DO NOT COMPLIMENT HIM ON IT. HE DOES NOT LIKE ATTENTION! BUT, I had to brag on him just a little! His drawing of a family meal set and ready perfectly reflects the anticipation of sitting at the Father’s table—and it beautifully ties into today’s theme.From discipline talks with my dad, to clips from some of my favorite young voices Beau Lynch, Harper Griffis, and Roland Lynch, to mentions of Forrest Frank’s joyful Child of God album—this episode is full of reminders that faith is both trust and delight.Scripture in this Episode John 13:7 – You don’t realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand Proverbs 13:24 – The one who loves disciplines Psalm 68:5 – A Father to the fatherless Voices & Guests Beau Lynch (5), Harper Griffis (4), Roland Lynch (6) Episode 7: Mr. Jackson on discipline Reece Mann (In memoriam) Episode 8: Mary Armstrong on parenting joy Nancy Nieman (In memoriam) Other Mentions Pastor Ryan Bramlett (Traders Point) on wisdom & pride Uncle Billy’s Four Thumb Tacks podcast (Tony Bennett quote) Anna Sebree & Remi Beckham on waiting & faith Dr. Seuss Oh, the Places You’ll Go! (read by Isaac) George Strait’s Love Without End, Amen Takeaway: Childlike faith isn’t just about awe and innocence—it’s reliance, obedience, and joy. It trusts God’s “no” as much as His “yes,” and believes His way is always better.